Florida GOP chooses new party chairman
Florida Republican Party Elects New Chairman Amidst Controversy
The Florida Republican Party made a significant decision on Monday, voting to elect Evan Power as their new chairman. This move comes after the party overwhelmingly decided to remove Christian Ziegler from the position following a police investigation into a rape allegation.
Power, who previously served as the party’s vice chairman, stepped in to fill Ziegler’s role after members voted last month to strip him of his powers and reduce his salary to $1.
“We have to build that trust back long-term,” Power stated. “Right now, we need to reach out to our larger donors and ask for their help and assistance. We can prove that we are bigger than one person and regain that trust. We have moved on swiftly and efficiently, and now we embark on a new chapter with a new chairman.”
Florida GOP’s Achievements and Future Goals
Highlighting the successes of the Florida GOP under Governor Ron DeSantis, Power emphasized the record turnout and the party’s ability to flip seats, even at the school board-level.
“Congratulations to our new Chairman, @EvanPower,” the Florida GOP proudly announced. “Under his strong leadership, we will Keep Florida RED, deliver Florida’s 30 electoral votes to the GOP presidential candidate, and elect Republicans up and down the ballot. Let’s get to work!”
Congratulations to our new Chairman, @EvanPower. Under his strong leadership, we will Keep Florida RED, deliver Florida’s 30 electoral votes to the GOP presidential candidate, and elect Republicans up and down the ballot. Let’s get to work! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/DqceF2gNxa
— Florida GOP (@FloridaGOP) January 8, 2024
Controversy Surrounding Ziegler’s Removal
In an emergency vote on Monday, members overwhelmingly voted 199-3 to oust Ziegler. This decision came after Governor DeSantis and other top Florida Republican officials called for his resignation.
Furthermore, the police in Florida are currently investigating whether Ziegler recorded the alleged incident, which could potentially lead to charges of video voyeurism, a third-degree felony in the state. Although Ziegler has not been charged, he and his attorney reportedly showed the video to law enforcement, believing it would prove that the interaction was consensual.
Attorney Bryant Camareno, who is not involved in the case, expressed that showing the video to law enforcement could potentially reveal a different crime.
“I believe that, firstly, it may demonstrate consent to engage in sexual activity,” Camareno explained. “Secondly, it may indicate that she was aware of being recorded. However, if he sent it to her with the intention of harassment, then that could be considered cyberstalking, which is another crime.”
Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, reportedly admitted to police that they had previously engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with the woman who made the rape accusation.
The alleged incident took place on October 2, 2023, when the accuser, Christian Ziegler, and Bridget Ziegler supposedly agreed to have a “sexual encounter,” according to police documents. However, when the accuser discovered that Bridget Ziegler would not be present, she allegedly changed her mind and canceled the encounter with Christian Ziegler.
“On 10/02/23, the victim opened her apartment door to walk her dog and Christian was standing outside in the hallway,” the police search warrant states. “Christian entered the apartment, bent the victim over the bar stool, and” raped her.
How will the Florida GOP demonstrate accountability, transparency, and integrity under the new leadership of Evan Power
Recent weeks, the Florida Republican Party has been embroiled in controversy surrounding the removal of former chairman Christian Ziegler. The decision to oust Ziegler came after a police investigation into a rape allegation, which led to a loss of trust and confidence within the party.
The Florida GOP made a decisive move on Monday by electing Evan Power as the new chairman. Power, previously serving as the party’s vice chairman, stepped in to fill the void left by Ziegler. Members of the party had voted last month to strip Ziegler of his powers and reduce his salary to $1, demonstrating their clear stance on accountability and zero tolerance for such misconduct.
Addressing the situation, Power acknowledged the need to rebuild trust with the party’s stakeholders and larger donors. He emphasized the importance of proving that the party is bigger than one individual and expressed confidence in the ability to regain the trust that had been lost. “We have moved on swiftly and efficiently, and now we embark on a new chapter with a new chairman,” Power stated.
Despite the controversy surrounding Ziegler’s removal, the Florida GOP remains focused on its achievements under Governor Ron DeSantis. Power highlighted the party’s record turnout and its success in flipping seats, even at the school board level. With Power’s strong leadership, the Florida GOP aims to “Keep Florida RED,” deliver the state’s 30 electoral votes to the GOP presidential candidate, and elect Republicans up and down the ballot.
The Florida GOP proudly announced Power’s election as chairman, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the party to further success. By rallying behind Power, the party aims to maintain its stronghold in Florida and continue advancing its conservative agenda.
Moving forward, the Florida Republican Party must address the controversy surrounding Ziegler’s removal and work to restore faith and confidence among its members and supporters. The new leadership under Evan Power will play a crucial role in demonstrating accountability, transparency, and integrity within the party. With a focus on unity and progress, the Florida GOP looks to the future with renewed determination and a commitment to effectively represent the values and interests of its constituents.
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